Feast of the senses with Grasse and the perfumes

 

 Keep your cameras ready for the spectacular drive along the French Riviera toward the glittering enclave of Cannes, known for its world-renowned film festival. Stroll the elegant La Croisette Avenue or shop along the Rue d’Antibes, and you’ll soon understand the year-round attraction of this quintessential resort.

Once in the village of Grasse, the self-proclaimed perfume capital of the world, you will visit one of its signature perfume factories and discover the intricacies of this fascinating industry.

 

Then your motor coach will journey along the scenic inland road en route to Saint Paul de Vence, a walled village that still retains much of its medieval appearance. Shoppers will love the bountiful boutiques and art galleries tucked along narrow, cobblestone lanes.

The views change dramatically from coastal to rural as you drive toward St. Paul de Vence, which was founded in 9th century. By the 16th century, the beleaguered village was fortified by ramparts, which still stand today. St. Paul De Vence has also retained its medieval charm, one of its primary draws. This haven for artists boasts a number of fine museums such as La Fondation Maeght, which features contemporary works from Braque and Giacometti, among others. The local artisans are highly regarded for their weaving, woodwork and jewelry pieces, which are on display in the many galleries. You’ll also enjoy exploring the village’s small markets, repositories of fresh-cut, locally grown flowers and irresistible gastronomic treats.

CLICK HERE FOR NEXT!

 

Irresistible aromas of fresh Provence herbs

During the drive through Marseille’s Old Quarter, your knowledgeable guide will share many fascinating details about the city’s ancient history, including the influence of the Greeks who first settled here around 600 B.C. Past the old port, which is the site of the original settlement, looms the landmark church Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. Then, it’s on to Cassis via the beautiful Gineste Road that hugs the pristine coastline.

A small resort town nestled at the base of a medieval castle, Cassis is highly regarded as one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

Guillermo Fdez, Cassis.

 

 

The irresistible aromas of fresh Provence herbs fill the air urging you to explore this charming fishing village. You’ll have time to stroll the many squares and streets, taking in the gorgeous, white cliffs of Calanques and the deep-blue sea.

Travelling in Italy

 

Travels In Italy

Italy’s great food, beautiful countryside, fabulous wine, and long history make it an excellent country to visit. While not the cheapest destination in Italy, Venice is great to see canals, experience a gondola ride, and have an amazing romantic candlelight dinner. No life is complete without a trip to Italy. I fall in love with it every time I visit. I love the vineyards in Florence, the ancient streets in Rome, the laid back nature of Southern Italy, the gorgeous Cinque Terre, and romantic Venice. Italy leaves no one underwhelmed.

 

There’s so much to do in Italy that it would take a lifetime to finish. Head to the old Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks. Don’t rush it in just one visit. Italy is best seen slowly – just like the attitude of the country. Relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy a latte. While here, make sure you take a few wine tours throughout the Tuscan region to get a feel for the countryside. Great food, amazing museums, ancient buildings, small streets, and awesome gelato.

The city has so much to see and do, you’ll need to make several trips to even scratch the surface.

See Venice –  It’s an ideal place for a honeymoon and it offers cheap food, great little bars, and tiny winding streets few tourists venture to. Use Couchsurfing and Airbnb to stay with locals who have extra beds, rooms and couches for free or an affordable rate. Couchsurf – Accommodation is quite expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. I use the service a lot and find it not only saves me money, but I meet great people too. This tradition goes back centuries and is one of the biggest parties and festivals in Italy. Make sure you explore the Trastevere student neighborhood west of the river.

If you have the funds, you can even pay to attend a traditional masquerade ball. Explore Venice – Besides Carnival, Venice is just a great place to visit.

Discover Rome – The city of Rome is a wonderful place of small streets and history. There’s no real need to explain why to go here. Explore Florence – It’s Florence. Everything people say about it is true.

 

 

Eat in Sicily – Sicily is famous for its mafia, but there’s more to the island than mobsters. It has its own unique cooking style, amazing coastal beaches that stay warm in the summer months, friendly little Italian grandmas, and extensive wineries

 

 

 

 

 

TASTE OF ROMA

 DO YOU PLAN A HONEYMOON IN ITALY IN 2020?

 

ROMANTIC MOMENTS FEED FROM EPIC AND LYRICISM, AND THE EXPLORATION OF THE ANTIQUE HISTORY OF ROMA WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE ALLURE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR HONEYMOON 2020.

ALL THE HISTORICAL INGREDIENTS WILL MAKE YOU EVADE THE TIME OF OUR MODERN CIVILIzATION FOR A FEW HOURS AND PLUNGE YOU IN ROMANTICISM WHERE PASSION AND AWE WILL BE SEIZING YOU.

 VISITING THE ROMAN COLOSSEUM, A MASTERPIECE OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE, AND AN ENORMOUS AMPHITHEATER, YOU WILL FEEL CHILLED BY DISCOVERING THAT HERE, GLADIATORS, CHRISTIANS AND WILD BEASTS USED TO BATTLE TO THE DEATH IN FRONT OF AS MANY AS 50,000 SPECTATORS.

jimmy “good times” walker, Colosseo – Roma

AT THE TRIUMPHAL ARCH OF TITUS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO IMAGINE IN 81 AD THE EMPEROR DOMITIAN HONORING THE VICTORIES OF THE BATTLES OF HIS ARMIES. THIS EPIC MOMENT WILL STIR YOUR IMAGINATIONS AND YOUR EMOTIONS.

LYRICISM IS REFLECTED AT ITS UTMOST IN THE VIA SACRA, THE SACRED ROUTE FOLLOWED BY RELIGIOUS AND TRIUMPHAL PROCESSIONS. THE MIXING OF SACREDNESS AND WAR WAS NOT CONSIDERED AS SOMETHING BELONGING TO FANATICISM FOR RULERS OF THESE TIMES, QUITE THE OPPOSITE. THUS YOU WILL BE FASCINATED BY THE AWE BY WHICH THEIR GODS INSPIRED THEM.

NEVERTHELESS, ENJOY THE PEACE AND TRANQUILITY OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLACES YOU WILL CROSS AS YOU WILL SEE THE RUINS OF THE ROMAN FORUM.THAT WILL ALSO INSPIRE WITHIN YOU AWE AND FEAR WHEN YOU IMAGINE THE DESTRUCTION OF ROMA BY INVADERS IN THE 5^TH CENTURY.

 

Giuseppe Milo, Fori imperiali, Roma, Italia

 

TAKE PICTURES OF THESE RUINS WITH YOURSELF, WHICH WILL REMIND YOU THE ROMANTIC MOMENTS YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING.

WE WILL TRAVEL TO FLORENCE IN OUR NEXT BLOG AND WE WILL SEE HOW THE EXPLORATION OF HISTORY OF FLORENCE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR INTIMACY DURING

YOUR HONEYMOON 2020

 

 

 

 

Florence: give a touch of lyricism and epic to your honeymoon

 YOU WISH TO HAVE ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS IN ITALY?

LIKE IN ROMA, EPIC AND LYRICISM, AND THE EXPLORATION OF TH?E HISTORY OF FLORENCE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE INTIMACY YOU WILL EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR HONEYMOON 2020.

WE SAID IN OUR PRECEDING POST THAT ROMANTICISM FEEDS FROM EPIC (GLORY AND HEROISM) AND LYRICISM (WHEN SOMEBODY FOCUSES HIGHLY ON HIS OWN, PRIVATE FEELINGS). LONG CELEBRATED BY ARTISTS AND POETS, FLORENCE IS HOME TO SPECTACULAR STREETS, PALACES, CHURCHES, AND MONUMENTS THAT REFLECT THE GLORIOUS PAST AND PROUD PEOPLE OF THIS HISTORIC ITALIAN CITY.

SteveBy: Steve, Sunset over Florence. Creative commons licence.

CONTRARY TO ROMA, FLORENCE HAS SUCCEEDED TO ADD A TOUCH OF SOFTNESS. THANKS TO ARTISTS THAT DEVELOPED THEIR TALENT HERE DURING THE RENAISSANCE SUCH AS MICHELANGELO,

ST. MARY OF THE FLOWER, WHICH IS A HUGE CATHEDRAL. THE IMPRESSIVE TUSCAN MARBLE FAÇADE OF THE CATHEDRAL EXEMPLIFIES THE IMPORTANCE OF WELL DECORATED ARCHITECTURES.

YOU CAN VIEW THE BAPTISTERY, FAMOUS FOR LORENZO GHIBERTI’S CELEBRATED DOORS CALLED THE GATES OF PARADISE, DATING BACK TO 1401 OR ADMIRE THE PONTE VECCHIO (1345)

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA, LARGELY DUE TO AN ABUNDANCE OF EXQUISITE STATUES THAT INCLUDE CELLINI’S PERSEUS, AMMANNATI’S NEPTUNE FOUNTAIN AND A COPY OF MICHELANGELO’S FAMOUS DAVID WILL ASSOCIATE EXPLORATION OF HISTORY, QUIETNESS AND WILL STIR UP A TASTE FOR ART AND REFINEMENT IN YOURSELF. 

  

xiquinhosilva, Florence – Palazzo Pitti – Creative Commons licence.

         

YOUR NEXT STOP IS THE PIAZZA DI SANTA CROCE, A LARGE SQUARE DOMINATED BY THE FRANCISCAN BASILICA.

THE FRANCISCAN BASILICA, WHICH HAS BEEN WORKED ON BY A SUCCESSION OF THE FINEST FLORENTINE ARCHITECTS AND MASTERS, INCLUDING BRUNELLESCHI, VASARI, GIOTTO AND DONATELLO

FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, THE SQUARE IS A PEACEFUL OPEN SPACE, SURROUNDED BY THE STATELY PALAZZI AND INTIMATE PIZZERIAS AND RESTAURANTS.

VISITING FLORENCE WILL BE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO RELAX AND DEEPEN YOUR INTIMACY DURING YOUR HONEYMOON 2020, ESPECIALLY BY EXPLORING HISTORY AND ART. BUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT EXPLORING PERFUMES AND BEING CARRIED AWAY BY A FLOOD OF EMOTIONS? VISITING GRASSE, THE CITY OF PERFUMES, CAN BE ONE MORE OCCASION TO ESCAPE THE REALITY FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND TO BUILD UP FABULOUS MOMENTS!

Sicily or how to make your honeymoon look like eternal?

FOR YOUR ROMANTIC HOLIDAYS IN ITALY 2020…

Croatia and Montenegro and their southern Slavic charm could plunge you in modern gardens of Eden where purity, authenticity and quietness could make you evade the time of our modern civilisation.

But what about Sicily (Click to see Video)?

 

Photo by Robyn Hooz; Creative commons licence

 EITHER FOR HOLIDAYS IN ITALY OR FOR YOUR HONEYMOON 2016, SICILY IS ONE OF THE BEST SETTING FOR MANY REASONS

The clarity of the sun, its intensity, and the presence of Etna volcano  altogether, have shaped the temperament of the Sicilians. Your search for authenticity will be even more satisfied here when you talk with them, in the streets, in small villages, in city markets or in restaurants. You will be amazed by their simplicity, authenticity and intense feelings.

When we talked about about Croatia and Paklanica Park, we mentioned the search for pristine wilderness, authenticity in food, and purity in landscapes. You will have also in Sicily the possibility to see natural parks (Click to see video) and to degustate  authentic wines, eating ripe and juicy fruits, in the country or in Palermo.

 

Photo by Dennis Jarvis. Creative commons licence

If you wish to visit Palermo, there is a tour that offers an excellent overview of the capital city by presenting theaters, churches and market places. Going to market places will give you the possibility to degustate authentic tasteful fruits, that have been growing under a scorching sun.

You can click on the link here to watch a video about a place in Palermo that offers  authentic and tasteful food!

You can visit and admire in Palermo some Churches like the Church of Martorana and its mosaics, the Church of the Immaculate Conception with a Roman Baroque façade and a highly decorative interior. They reveal much about the past.

SO FOR YOUR NEXT HOLIDAYS IN ITALY OR YOUR NEXT HONEYMOON 2020, WHY NOT TRYING SICILY?

 In our next post, we will stay in Italy, you will have possibility in Roma to evade the time of our modern civilisation for a few hours and plunge  in a romanticism where passion and awe will be seizing you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purity and quietness in Montenegro

 

IN PRECEDING POSTS, WE DISCUSSED HOW TO CREATE ROMANTIC MOMENTS  DURING YOUR HONEYMOON. THINGS SUCH AS ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS, LANDSCAPES, SETTINGS, AND PICTURES (FOR YOUR PHOTO ALBUM FOR THE MEMORIES LATER). ROMANTIC MOMENTS THAT LAST

IN MEMORIES HAVE IN THEMSELVES SOMETHING IMMACULATE, PURE.

AFTER A SLAVIC COUNTRY LIKE CROATIA, MONTENEGRO REPRESENTS ANOTHER VARIATION OF A SLAVIC COUNTRY BUT OFFERING THE SAME ILLUSION OF BEING IMMERSED IN A MODERN GARDEN OF EDEN WITH ITS PURITY AND QUIETNESS, THUS MAKING YOU EVADE THE TIME OF OUR MODERN CIVILIZATION.

 

Photo Marko Ćipović, Forest river. Creative commons license

FOR A HONEYMOON, PERFUMES AND SCENTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. ON THE ISLAND’S BEACHES YOU WILL ENJOY THE PERFUMES OF THE MEDITERRANEA, GORGEOUS FRUITS AND DIFFERENT TYPE OF FISHES, AND FLOWERS. 

Watch that video.

 Photo Truls Erik Johnsen. Creative commons license

THIS PLACE BEING A NATURE AND ANIMAL RESERVE, TRY TO CAPTURE SOME IN YOUR PICTURES TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF THE EXOTIC. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE OTHER GREAT PICTURES, BOOK A BOAT TOUR OF THE RIVIERA BEACHES.   

It will be a chance to experience in a special way the beautiful sceneries around you. (Video)

 

 THERE ARE OTHER AMAZING PLACES SUCH AS HERCEG NOVI, KOTOR, THE ISLAND OF ST. GEORGE AND LADY OF THE ROCKS, AND THE MAUSOLEUM ON LOVĆEN. SKADAR LAKE IS ONE OF MANY MONTENEGRIN PEARLS WHICH SHOULD BE SEEN BECAUSE OF THE BEAUTY AND THE LOCAL CULINARY SPECIALTIES WHICH ARE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. BUT WE WOULD ADVISE YOU TO SEE THE RIVER TARA. AFTER COLORADO IN THE U.S, IT IS THE DEEPEST CANYON IN THE WORLD.

 

ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tara_River_Canyon

The Tara River Canyon (Serbian and Montenegrin: Kanjonrijeke Tare, pronounced [kǎɲɔːntârɛː]), also known as the Tara River Gorge, is the longest canyon in Montenegro. It is 82 kilometers (51 miles) long and is 1,300 meters (4,300 feet) at its deepest, making it the deepest river canyon in Europe. The canyon is protected as a part of Durmitor National Parkand is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tara River cuts through the canyon.

 WILDLIFE – LIVING ON THE EDGE: TARA CANYON (VIDEO)

 

Marvelling at Flora and fauna in Croatia

What are the ingredients for a good, romantic honeymoon? We discussed in our preceding post, that good pictures were essentials. But another element must keep your focus, the search for a destination with pristine wilderness, authenticity in food, and romantic landscapes or settings .

 

Pure water, degusting an authentic wine in a romantic atmosphere in a good and nice restaurant, eating ripe and juicy fruits, breathing fully oxygen of mountains ,… should be your focus to feel relieved from the stressful life of our modern days and create romantic memories!

Travelling with your cruise-line, Oceania, will provide a chance to go to Paklenica National Park, one of Croatia’s most popular national parks, and marvel at its fauna and flora and regenerate yourself with the purity of surrounding landscapes, fauna and flora.

photo Maureen Barlin, Paklenica National Park. Creative commons licence

This park, with its purity and its quietness, represents a sort of modern Garden of Eden. It will make you evade the time of our modern civilization for a few hours. Isn’t it what honeymooners are looking for?

It provides an opportunity to immerse in the fauna and flora to take fantastic pictures, and make it a great moment of relaxation for your honeymoon.

Do not forget to take clothing appropriate for the weather; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; insect repellant; and flat, sturdy, walking shoes or hiking boots.

Upon entering the park, your guided hike will last approximately three-hours into the pristine wilderness.

No doubt, the sceneries encountered will contribute to your excitement. Take pictures of the dramatic canyons, sheer cliffs and pine forests that you will find over there. 

Photo Maureen Barlin, Paklenica National Park. Creative commons licence

To help imagine yourself there,

enjoy a fascinating video clip explaining the fauna and flora. (Click here)

We hope you will delight in the gentle sound of waterfalls, songs from birds, and the noise of the wind in the leaves. What a romantic moment that will contribute to the intimacy you will experience.

 

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place.Be sure to capture these breath taking moments on camera to create memories that will last forever. Breathe in the wonderful air and appreciate the privilege you have to be there. Catch the wonder of an orchid, seize an owl, and remember these fantastic moments later when you return home!

While following the trail, you will have many occasions to make different types of pictures. Capture the scenic nature views, romantic moments, and remember to be yourself in the pictures that will help fill your honeymoon photo album.

Once back on the boat, lying happily on your bed, you will fall sound asleep with a smile on your face as you recall your visit to Paklenica National Park!

Starting your romantic honeymoon in Venice

 

 

 

 Antonio Manfredonio. Creative Commons

 

Without a doubt, there are numerous options for cruises which can create the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon. We have selected one of the best cruise companies in the world, Oceania, and one of the best cruises possible in the Mediterranean serving prestigious cities like Venice, Roma, Monte Carlo, and Florence, but also Barcelona, Croatia, Montenegro and Provence on the French Riviera.

Venice is a perfect place to start your cruise. In this wonderful city your mind will wander. You can switch off from reality, and feel as if you’re in a dream. This is especially so when you visit its secret corners, with its small streets.

As we said in our preceding blog, it is very important to take fantastic pictures  for your honeymoon photo album as they will last forever. We would suggest wearing fine garments for some of the great occasions during your cruise, described in our post here, to keep the baroque atmosphere in your pictures created by the Italian palazzi.  Or you can rent costumes of the 16^th century in Venice if you prefer!

 

 

 Take a picture in front of a 16^th century fountain or an Italian palazzo.

Nothing can capture the allure of Venice quite like a romantic gondola ride down the city water ways gazing at the beautiful architecture. Do not forget to take a picture when you pass in front of the Doge’s Palace. Close your eyes during some seconds and let your mind wander during your ride!

 

When you arrive on St Marc Square, leave the crowd in the middle of the place. Make sure to reserve some place for yourself under the arcades for taking some pictures, in color or black and white.

 

Dennis Jarvis, Doge’s Palace. Creative Commons licence

You may wonder what you should choose at a restaurant for dinner in Venice: Shrimp, mussels, eel, crayfish and mullet, are among the most popular seafood ingredients you can choose. You can also try the local specialty; tissue-thin calves’ liver slices sautéed with onions. To wash it down, a Veneto region wine is a must. This time, for your pictures, you can decide if you want to give them a casual setting or something more formal, or more romantic.

If the cruise starts slowly at first, not to worry. You’ll soon be carried away gently on the Adriatic Sea, with Croatia, Montenegro and Sicilia for your next visits. You will have an opportunity to leave the sea and to do some trekking on some excursions. Land might be a welcome site for some after the time at sea. Secondly, excursions in mountains offer another ingredient for romance, majestic views, combining grandiose sceneries with a feeling of serenity.

We will see you next time on our next blog; how you can enjoy Croatia during your cruise. We’ll discuss how and where you can do some sightseeing or simply relax on the coast.